Maritime training vessel gives glimpse of a seafarer's life

By Sarah Moore

Published 7:59 am, Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston ... more

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the control room for the engine room to Jeanette Sanders. The electric motors that turn the propeller are powered by diesel generators housed in another room, but controlled from this room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the control room for the engine room to Jeanette Sanders. The electric motors that turn the propeller are powered by diesel generators housed in another room, but ... more

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Captain Jack Smith left watches for the next group looking for a tour from the deck of his ship. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left watches for the next group looking for a tour from the deck of his ship. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith back, gives a tour of the kitchento Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, front, explaining how the two cooks on board feed the crew and officers each day. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith back, gives a tour of the kitchento Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, front, explaining how the two cooks on board feed the crew and officers each day. The Texas Maritime Academy of ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, ... more

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the control room for the diesel generators to Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how these controls are what is used to communicate with the bridge when they are under way. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the control room for the diesel generators to Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how these controls are what is used to communicate with the bridge when they are under ... more

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Captain Jack Smith middle, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, left, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith middle, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, left, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Captain's quarters to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how some think it is one of the biggest room on board ship. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Captain's quarters to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how some think it is one of the biggest room on board ship. The Texas Maritime ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, middle, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, middle, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith talks about the TS General Rudder and why it was visiting Port Arthur. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith talks about the TS General Rudder and why it was visiting Port Arthur. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training ... more

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, right, explaining how they communicate with the engine room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston ... more

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Captain Jack Smith right, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, left, explaining how they communicate with the engine room and where he sits in his chair behind him. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith right, gives a tour of the Bridge to Tammy Kotzur, middle, and Jeanette Sanders, left, explaining how they communicate with the engine room and where he sits in his chair behind him. The ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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The ship's wheel and some of the controls used to communicate with the engine room can be seen on the tour. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The ship's wheel and some of the controls used to communicate with the engine room can be seen on the tour. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith right, gives a tour of the lower decks to Tammy Kotzur, left, and Jeanette Sanders, middle, explaining as the go that a lot of the cadets bunk four to a room. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith right, gives a tour of the lower decks to Tammy Kotzur, left, and Jeanette Sanders, middle, explaining as the go that a lot of the cadets bunk four to a room. The Texas Maritime Academy of ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, and Jeanette Sanders, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. A sextant, right, and a azimuth circle, left, were on display. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith left, gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, and Jeanette Sanders, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. A sextant, ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, and Jeanette Sanders, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. On one of the boards, Rules of the Road were on display. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith gives a tour of the main conference room to Tammy Kotzur, and Jeanette Sanders, explaining how it is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. On one of the boards, ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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While Captain Jack Smith was giving his tour, stairwells were used to get to each deck. In those stairwells, bundles of wires that go all over the ship could be seen. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

While Captain Jack Smith was giving his tour, stairwells were used to get to each deck. In those stairwells, bundles of wires that go all over the ship could be seen. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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The diesel generators can be seen on the other side of the stairwell. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The diesel generators can be seen on the other side of the stairwell. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith middle, gives a tour of Sick Bay to Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, left, explaining how the crew is trained and they have an EMT on board. It is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids that will be coming on Tuesday. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith middle, gives a tour of Sick Bay to Tammy Kotzur, right, and Jeanette Sanders, left, explaining how the crew is trained and they have an EMT on board. It is set up for the Camp Sea Port kids ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Jeanette Sanders leaves the machine shop that is on board to make what ever the ship may need. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Jeanette Sanders leaves the machine shop that is on board to make what ever the ship may need. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Captain Jack Smith walks towards the next group looking for a tour of his ship. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the TS General Rudder Monday July 9, 2012. The purpose of the visit is educational, providing information about the Maritime Academy to the general public and students who might be interested in exploring the many career options. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Captain Jack Smith walks towards the next group looking for a tour of his ship. The Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M Galveston was at the Port of Port Arthur giving free tours of its new training vessel, the ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Maritime training vessel gives glimpse of a seafarer's life

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Students participating in Camp Sea Port will learn many fascinating things about a maritime career.

During a tour today of the General Rudder, a training ship for Texas A&M University's Texas Maritime Academy, students will see the inner workings of a seagoing ship. That includes the bridge, at the top of the vessel, where pilots navigate and the engine room, where engineers control speed and tend to the roaring machinery that propels it forward.

They will see the cramped living, cooking and eating quarters and visit a decidedly low-tech ship lounge equipped with two stationary bicycles, television and small library of VCR movies.

Life at sea is clearly not for everyone, but the fact Texas Marine Academy graduates can command entry-level salaries of $80,000 per year or more, according to information provided by Texas A&M University, might command their attention.

"People who go through the program get very good jobs," said Capt. Jack Smith of the General Rudder, during a tour of the vessel Monday.